about us

decades of design.

Pushing the boundaries of design
for 78 years

what makes AHL different

experienced
multi disciplinary
award-winning

AHL is a multi-disciplinary architectural firm with international experience in architecture, planning, and interior design. We see design as a process that identifies essential values, functions and goals. We are passionate about design and committed to achieving design excellence. We embrace change and have the knowledge to deliver award-winning projects on time and within budget.

community involvement

Success at AHL goes beyond the business of architecture.

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founded in 1946

looking back

the beginning 1946

Originally from England, founder Cyril (Cy) W. Lemmon established AHL in the garage of his Waikiki home.

1960

As the Honolulu skyline evolved, so did the firm. Known as Lemmon, Freeth, Haines, and Jones, the firm moved to the 15th floor of the former First Hawaiian Bank building in Downtown Honolulu. A branch office was also opened in Bangkok.

1970

As partners retired, the firm underwent several name changes.  - From Lemmon, Haines, Jones and Farrell (1970), to Jones, Farrell, White & Gima (1973), and  finally to Architects Hawaii Ltd. (1976). The office relocated to the American Savings Bank Tower at Bishop Square after the firm completed its design and construction.

1980

Our team expanded into Asia through the establishment of a Hong Kong branch led by David Miller, AHL Chairman and Principal.

1990

After a decade of completing several successful projects in Hong Kong, our firm decided to centralize and refocus efforts in our Honolulu office.

2000

Many milestone projects came with the new millennium. AHL master planned and designed the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine campus in Kaka'ako, which achieved LEED certification. AHL also designed the Beach Villas at Ko'olina, O'ahu's first beachfront condo in two decades.

2010

Our team planned and designed our office relocation to the Pacific Guardian Center's Makai tower penthouse. This came shortly before Bettina Mehnert was appointed as our first female CEO in 2013.

The firm also formed FUSE International, our international subsidiary. In 2016, we celebrated our 70th anniversary and rebranded from Architects Hawaii Ltd. to AHL.

2018 and beyond

moving forward

AHL focuses on serving clients' needs from new projects to small renovations and large-scale additions. Our services range from master planning to all phases of design and construction administration. Our large experienced staff enables us to consistently deliver award-winning fast-track complex projects. AHL continues to deliver client expectation with our experienced and enthusiastic staff of over 100. Our team members have a vast range of project type experience from all over the world.

meet our team